Taste Of Egypt With Chef Vikram Vij

Welcome to Cairo! Known as Al-Qāhirah (the Victorious), this vibrant metropolis is a captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern vitality. As one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic cities, Cairo stands as the political and cultural heart of the Arab world, a place where millennia of history unfold beneath the desert sun and the rhythm of daily life fills every bustling street. Cairo is not only Africa’s second largest city but the political and cultural centre of the Arab World. Cairo’s old quarters retain their ancient charm with many streets still known by descriptions given to them by medieval chroniclers. Modern Cairo’s architecture is distinguished by Ottoman and later European influences, especially in commercial architecture, particularly as the city’s population boomed during the 19th century. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the tour hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome group dinner at Abou El Sid Restaurant an authentic Egyptian restaurant using recipes found written in a book by Abou El Sid during Ottoman times as the inspiration.Overnight in Cairo

Spend the morning on the Giza Plateau home of Egypt’s signature attractions: the Great Pyramids, proclaimed by the Greeks to be among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. A single pyramid is built of 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing an average of two and one–half tons. In the face of such immensity, one cannot help but feel the wonder and awe that so many writers & artists have sought to convey over the centuries. Nearby, behold the Great Sphinx of Giza, carved from a single ridge of golden limestone, its human face and lion’s body eternally guarding the plateau which dates from the time of Chephren (2620BC). It is hewn from natural yellowish limestone and stands 65 feet high & 187 feet long.  This afternoon begin a culinary journey in the heart of downtown Cairo where the bustling alleys are alive with color, aroma, and tradition. Taste classic Egyptian street foods such as koshari, taameya, and freshly baked baladi bread, while learning from your guide about the spices, herbs, and centuries-old culinary traditions that make Egyptian cuisine so unique. Sample traditional sweets like basbousa, konafa, and baklava. Pause at a charming, time-honored café to savor authentic Egyptian coffee or karkadeh (hibiscus tea). Nestled in the heart of the historic Khan El Khalili bazaar in Cairo, the Naguib Mahfouz Café stands as a tribute to one of Egypt’s most celebrated literary figures. For café lovers and literature enthusiasts alike, this enchanting spot offers more than just a culinary experience; it provides a journey through time, culture, and the rich heritage of Egyptian storytelling. Step into the Naguib Mahfouz Café, and you are immediately transported to a different era. The décor is inspired by the golden age of Egypt, with intricate wooden carvings, traditional lanterns, and lush textiles that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The walls are adorned with photographs and quotes from Mahfouz’s works, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of one of Egypt’s greatest storytellers. The menu at Naguib Mahfouz Café is a delightful fusion of traditional Egyptian cuisine and contemporary flavours.Overnight in Cairo

This morning we will be transferred to Cairo Domestic Airport for a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be escorted to the cruise ship for embarkation. This will be your home for the next four nights. Enjoy lunch on board before an afternoon of touring Luxor. Luxor Temple was the center of the most important festival, the festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the temple served as a setting for the rituals of the festival, which was held to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with his divine office. The procession of images of the current royal family began at Karnak and ended at the Luxor temple. Karnak Temple was erected in 1928 BC as a small shrine dedicated to Amun, the god of Thebes. The Temple of Karnak comprises three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples — all constructed over 1300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Monthu, and Amun are enclosed in enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun at the center. Karnak is now the largest and oldest temple compound on earth.Overnight on board the Nile cruise

Optional: Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple
The Karnak Sound and Light Show highlight the dramatic history of ancient Thebes. The show will narrate the achievements of great Pharaohs, with poetic descriptions of the ancient treasures. As visitors walk through the complex, the pharaohs will rise to tell the story of their fascinating lives, as haunting music mysteriously flows through the ancient city. Ancient and poetic voices tell visitors about the birth of the Karnak Temple along with the heroic achievements of the pharaohs and the god Amun. It is an enchanting and supernatural experience to listen to the sound effects and gaze at the magnificent ruins illuminated during the well-presented show.

After breakfast cross the newly constructed Luxor Bridge to the west bank of the Nile, where the desert cliffs conceal the magnificent Valley of the Kings—the eternal resting place of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. Step into history as you visit three royal tombs, each an extraordinary monument to art, belief, and immortality. Your expert Egyptologist will reveal the stories behind the hieroglyphs and vivid wall paintings that depict the pharaohs’ passage into the afterlife. Among these sacred chambers lie the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses V, their splendor still echoing through the ages. Continue to the Valley of the Queens, the serene necropolis of royal consorts and princesses from the 18th to 20th dynasties. Here, among nearly eighty tombs, lies the exquisite burial site of Queen Nefertari, beloved wife of Ramses II (currently closed to the public). Next, visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman ever to rule as Pharaoh. Nestled dramatically beneath towering cliffs, her temple at Deir El-Bahri—known in ancient times as Djeser-Djeseru, “the Sacred of the Sacred”—stands as an architectural masterpiece of balance and devotion. Return to your ship for lunch as your vessel sets sail toward Edfu via Esna, Watch the scenery unfold—verdant palm groves, ochre hills, and the gentle rhythm of life along the Nile. Overnight on board the Nile cruise

Optional: Hot Air Ballooning Over the Valley at Sunrise
Bask in the splendor of the ancient historical sights of Luxor from the air. See this spectacular landscape from a unique perspective that only hot air ballooning can provide. Glide majestically over the temples and burial grounds of the Pharaohs and allow history to come to life before your eyes. 

Available: Every Day

Departure Time: Approx. 4 am - *Pick up time may vary depending on the location / pick up point / flight time  

Awaken to another serene morning on the Nile and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as your ship docks at Edfu, home to one of Egypt’s most magnificent and best-preserved temples. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the Temple of Edfu stands as a powerful symbol of divine protection and victory. Your Egyptologist guide will lead you through towering pylons, shadowed courtyards, and intricately carved reliefs that recount the mythic battle between Horus and Seth—gods whose eternal struggle of light and chaos shaped the beliefs of ancient Egypt. Return to your ship and relax as you sail toward Kom Ombo, a picturesque village where the river bends gracefully against golden banks. Enjoy lunch on board. In the late afternoon, disembark for a short walk to the Twin Temples of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god of strength and fertility, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder), the god of light and healing. As your guide shares their stories, imagine the sacred crocodiles that once basked in the sun on these very banks, honored and feared by ancient worshippers. Return to the ship and gather with fellow travelers for afternoon tea or a refreshing drink on deck as the scenery drifts by. This evening after dinner, the ship’s crew invites you to join in an Egyptian Gallabiyah Party—a joyful celebration of local music, dance, and laughter, where guests don traditional attire and experience the warmth of Egyptian hospitality.Overnight on board the Nile cruise

This morning begins with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering completed in 1971. Standing as a testament to human ingenuity, this colossal rockfill structure tames the Nile’s powerful flow, creating the vast Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs. Next, embark on a motorboat ride across the shimmering waters of the Nile to the legendary Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The boat ride will give you a magnificent vista of the island, before landing at what would have been the ancient quay on the south side. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and has many legends connected to it. The most well-known legend tells the story of how Isis found the heart of Osiris here after his murder by his brother Seth. Marvel at the intricate hieroglyphs and grand pylons and hear the captivating tale of Isis retrieving the heart of Osiris—a story that has enchanted travelers for millennia. After your cultural exploration, return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to relax onboard or enjoy optional spa treatments, allowing you to soak in the tranquil beauty of Aswan’s riverbanks. This afternoon sail on the Nile in a Felucca around Kitchener’s Island and visit the botanical island. This evening, enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the Nile and casts a golden glow over the tranquil waters. Overnight on board the Nile cruise

Optional: Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple
Enjoy the evening with the incredible Philae Temple Sound and Light Show. This show will take you on a narrated journey to discover the legends of Goddess Isis and God Osiris. There is a marvelous story for this temple, from the early centuries when the site of Philae was flooded for six months each year. An incredible restoration program was undertaken in the 1960s, and the Temple was moved stone by stone to its current location. Enjoy the spectacular lights of the multimedia presentations which vividly reveal the form and majesty of this ancient site and walk through the magnificent temple as its history is narrated.

Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Schedule: In Winter it is at 6:30 PM, In Summer it is at 8:00 PM 

After a leisurely breakfast onboard your cruise, you will disembark and be transferred to Aswan International Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in.  Late this afternoon enjoy a cooking class at Mon Appetit Culinary Academy where you will learn to cook a traditional Egyptian meal as well as get to taste the fruits of your labour.Overnight in Cairo

Optional: Morning visit to Abu Simbel
This morning you will transfer to Aswan Airport to board a flight to Abu Simbel. Upon arrival in Abu Simbel, you will be transferred to the temple site. Visit the Temple of Ramses and Temple of Queen Nefertari. Not only are the two temples located at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world, but their removal and reconstruction were historic events. Two of the temples, Rameses II (primarily dedicated to Re-Harakhte), and that of his wife, Nefertari (dedicated to Hathor) were originally located in Lake Nasser (280 km from Aswan) but had to be relocated due to the risk of sinking.

Available: Every Day

Departure Time: Approx. 7 am - *Pick up time may vary depending on the location / pick up point / flight time  

After an early breakfast travel overland to Alexandria widely known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC Alexandria has historically been a place of learning and attracted poets and writers for thousands of years to its famous seaside library the “Bibliotheca Alexandrina”. Alexandria is also home to the Pharos Lighthouse one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Largely because of its unique cosmopolitan roots, Alexandria differs widely from the rest of the country, especially Cairo. On arrival taste a few of the local delicacies, visit an Azza Ice cream show to try their famous dessert Roz be laben and visit another shop to try the famous pastries “Feteer Bel Sokar.” Afterwards visit Fort Qaitbay, built in the 1480s by Sultan Qaitbey, at the site of Alexandria's ancient lighthouse. Remnants of the lighthouse can be seen in the construction of the old fort. One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the lighthouse was an astonishing 125 meters high, containing some 300 rooms for workers. Enjoy a late afternoon seafood lunch before returning to Cairo. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at Le Tarbouche – Akl Zaman offering authentic and exotic, traditional Egyptian dishes as served in the times of the Pachas. This celebratory dinner offers the perfect blend of flavors, ambiance, and storytelling, providing a luxurious and heartfelt close to your Egyptian journey.Overnight in Cairo

Today you will be transferred back to Cairo International Airport to check in for your flight home. As you depart, take with you the flavours, stories, and timeless wonders of Egypt—a journey of history and culinary delights that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned.